title: Effectiveness of melatonin for sleep impairment post paediatric acquired brain injury: evidence from a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To retrieve and review all the relevant literature describing the administration of melatonin to treat impaired sleep in children following acquired brain injury (ABI).
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic search and retrieval of the literature was conducted using advanced search techniques. The retrieval identified 589 papers, seven of which were relevant. Review/outcomes criteria were developed and study quality was determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is paucity of high-quality evidence to support use of melatonin for sleep impairment post paediatric ABI. Variation in dosage, screening and outcome measures, data reporting and a lack of impairment delineation and treatment stratification were recurrent themes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Retrieved evidence for the effectiveness of melatonin for post paediatric ABI sleep impairment appears promising. There is a clear need for further study in this area to inform clinical and research practices. Recommendations are given.
authors.affiliation: Programme in Clinical Psychology, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds , Clarendon Road, Leeds LS2 9LJ , UK.
authors.forename: Lisa-Jane
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Keegan
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Reed-Berendt
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Neilly
authors.forename: Matthew C H J
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Morrall
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Murdoch-Eaton
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008550:Melatonin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010372:Pediatrics; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D008550:Melatonin
keywords: Sleep impairment; acquired brain injury; melatonin; paediatric